The winter's first manual snow survey results released today by state officials underscored the need for increased water conservation statewide. The measurement of 4 inches of snow water equivalent near Echo Summit in Northern California was only 33 percent of average for the date. Statewide, the snow water equivalent was only 50 percent of average for the date. The snowpack is critical because it supplies California with runoff during the summer when water use peaks.

While storms have improved water supply conditions over the past month, they have not delivered nearly enough precipitation to make up for the lack of rain and snow over the past three years.

State officials said it would take a series of storms delivering well-above-average amounts of rain and snow statewide over the next few months to pull California out of drought. The initial 2015 allocation from the State Water Project -- an important water source for San Diego County -- has been set at only 10 percent of requested supplies. The figure may fluctuate up or down depending on precipitation over the next few months.

For more information about the snow survey click here. 

For information about water-use rules by community, along with details about drought conditions and conservation-related resources, go to WheninDrought.org.